A recent follow-up investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) has resulted in the arrest of three individuals for child sex crimes. The initial charges against Cody Nathaniel Kesterson, a 30-year-old from New Market, were for aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, after an investigation uncovered over 900 images of child sexual abuse material. According to WBIR, this subsequent probe brought to light a video showing a sexual encounter involving Kesterson, his girlfriend Kimberly Faulkner, and a 2-year-old child.
Investigator Heather Sharpe, a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, discovered the incriminating evidence while reviewing forensic materials from Kesterson’s previous arrest, as mentioned in a social media post by JCSO. Faulkner, 34, also from New Market, along with Kesterson, faces additional charges of aggravated rape of a child and especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. As the investigation unfolded, it was also revealed that Leah Stark, the 23-year-old sister of Faulkner, possessed child sexual abuse material. Stark, hailing from Seymour, has been charged for her alleged offenses revealed by the sheriff's office via Facebook.
The severe nature of these crimes has led to substantial bonds being set for the accused. Kesterson, now facing more severe charges, had his bond increased from $400,000 to $500,000. Court records accessed by WVLT further indicate that Kesterson is also contending with charges in a separate case from September involving aggravated burglary and domestic assault.
Currently held at the Jefferson County Detention Center, bonds for Faulkner and Stark are set at $200,000 respectively. The severity of these crimes and the subsequent law enforcement response underscores the ongoing efforts to combat child sexual exploitation. Each of the accused awaits further legal proceedings in a case that has understandably shaken the local community to its core.
